Easter & Conference

Recently, Mackenzie and I attended a volleyball tournament in California. She stayed in a room with some of her teammates, and one of them saw her scriptures (she has quad; and abridgement of the KJV of the bible, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants all bound together) and asked what it was. When she answered, the young lady responded that she couldn't believe in the Bible and the Book of Mormon at the same time. Mackenzie explained that both testified of Jesus Christ, but were written on different continents. This did not dissuade her friend from her point of view. The conversation got a bit heated and Mackenzie felt VERY uncomfortable. We spoke about it later that evening and I told her that the best way to handle a situation like that was to bear a firm testimony, and let the spirit do the rest. Contention drives the spirit away, but testifying of our Savior will invite him in. In the letter below Zach responds to the situation.

Lari

My Easter was good. I was in a chapel almost all day listening to conference. On Saturday I was at the chapel ALL day from 10 to 10. This conference was amazing. I really enjoyed how so many of the talks focused on love and the atonement of Jesus Christ.

We had some investigators attend and they really enjoyed it. I personally was touched by the talk about the young man who was had been ill with a condition for some time and passed away rather unexpectedly, and how both he and his brother were both "called to serve" on opposite sides of the veil. Missionary work is on going in this life and after. It was a very spiritual weekend and by the time it was over I was exhausted. I love the fact that the spirit can be felt so strong even when the speakers are 2000 miles away.

This last week we have been posing a question to investigators and members... "If you could ask Jesus Christ one Question what would you ask?" We had one young woman say "What is my purpose on this earth?" The Golden Question! We are now teaching her the discussions and she is eating them up! Her name is Karina and she is a friend of a less-active member who we have also recently reactivated. It is amazing to see how one question can have such an impact. Elder Stettler and I have decided to take a look on our progress an refocus our efforts. As we do I know we will see a tremendous improvement. As we are obedient, the Lord will send blessings. "There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated; And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience that the blessing is predicated" D&C 130:20-21. I know that Jesus lives that he watches over us. I can see his hand in all we do.

Tell Mackenzie that there are many people who believe that the Book of Mormon is wrong but the Lord himself has said that the book is true and that they are his words. "And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true" D&C 17:6 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." Joshua 1:9

I love you all and you are in my prayers.

Elder Roque

The work continues

Hi all, I mm staying in Newark for at least one more transfer. It has been really amazing to see the branch I serve in has grown so much. When first arrived there were only 40 people coming to church now there are over 90 attending on a regularly, the Lord is really blessing the people here.

Recently, Elder Stettler and I were walking down the street and a black SUV drove up and the back passanger window started to come down. A little scary considering the gang activity. A man poked his head out and called us over. He then told us he was the mayor of Newark and he loved the job were doing for the city. It was cool to receive a compliment from someone in government who isn't a member of our church. It just goes to show that we need to follow the Savior and be a good example to those around us.

Elder stettler and I have really been blessed to find new people to teach. We are working hard and having fun while doing it. I have learned so much about the gospel and especially the atonement of Jesus Christ. I spoke in church yesterday and spoke on the atonement. I felt the spirit so strongly as I testified of the divinity of the Savior and his sacrifices for use, and everyone told me it was exactly what they needed. It was amazing how the words just came out. I feel this experience has helped me grow close to my Savior; it is amazing to feel of his love in my life.

We almost got jumped by someone the other day. He was screaming and yelling and came at us, but one of his friends called out those are men of God, Are you crazy?! We are teaching a wonderful young woman name Ayesha, she has an adorable son named Isaiah. We have been trying to do a lot of less active work and bring people back to church. Many missionaries learn languages on their missions, but the greatest language you could ever learn is the language of the spirit. I know that it is only through the spirit that others will feel the truthfulness of gospel of Jesus Christ.